Democrat Z Tuley believes her seven years as Vanderburgh County treasurer will make for a smooth transition into the recorder's office. Her opponent, Republican Heather Williams, says she'll bring a common-sense approach to the job.

The candidates for Vanderburgh County recorder both say they will look for ways to improve access to county records via the Internet without compromising security. The recorder's office preserves and protects records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, soldiers' discharges and power of attorney forms. The office charges a fee for copying and safeguarding records. So far this year, it has recorded more than 27,000 documents, generating about $662,500 in fees.

Tuley, 47, has worked at the treasurer's office for the last 14 years, seven as treasurer and seven as chief deputy treasurer. She previously was employed in the banking industry. Tuley has served as president of the Indiana County Treasurer's Association and was part of a group of volunteers who worked with legislators and the Department of Local Government Finance to craft a detailed explanation of how tax dollars are spent.

"If (voters) like the work I've done, then they know what kind of work I will (do) in the recorder's office," Tuley said.

Williams, 32, is a realtor with F.C. Tucker Emge, where she has been employed for more than four years. She has a background in sales and says she has worked closely with title companies, experience she says would help her in the recorder's office.

Williams is new to politics. She worked the polls for sheriff candidate Robert Goedde in 2006 and said that experience was part of what inspired her to run for public office.

"I think the most important job of the office is to be available to the community and meet the community's needs to make sure that what they need is available," Williams said.

Under her supervision, Tuley said the treasurer's office has been one of the few in the state to complete tax billings on time. In 2006, Tuley initiated the Vanderburgh County RX prescription discount card program with the assistance of the County Commissioners. She also worked with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department to establish an ordinance to assure fee and tax collections on bank foreclosures at sheriff's sales.

"I'm hands on," she said. "I could go out and perform 95 percent" of the job duties in the treasurer's office.

Williams said she held an administration position with Avon, giving her experience in both management and dealing with large amounts of money. At F.C. Tucker Emge, Williams said she works with homebuyers to make sure their needs are being met.

"With real estate, you have to be able to overcome challenges and hold deals together and think critically. ..." she said. "You have to negotiate between the two parties and try to make it work for the benefit of everybody."